Dance eisteddfods are a whirlwind for parents and their kids – a melée of excitement, nerves, glitter, and growth. Whether your child danced in one comp or ten, if you’ve just attended your first eisteddfod season, you’ve likely walked away with a few lessons (and maybe a few rhinestones stuck to your car seat). Here are five things nearly every dance parent learns after their first eisteddfod season – and why you’ll probably want to do it all again.
1. The schedule at eisteddfods is everything…and nothing
Dance eisteddfods run on tight schedules…until they don’t. You’ll quickly discover that “estimated stage time” is more of a polite suggestion than a reliable timestamp. One moment you’re sipping coffee thinking you’ve got an hour to spare, and the next you’re frantically pinning a headpiece because they’re suddenly running 45 minutes ahead.
You’ll become a master of mental arithmetic:
“Okay, there are 12 dancers before us… if each routine is about 2 minutes … “ Only to find out someone dropped out, another group skipped ahead, and the adjudicator took a surprise tea break.
Parent survival hack: Arriving early, staying flexible, and packing snacks isn’t just smart, it’s survival.
2. Costumes are a world of their own
From sequins to safety pins, costumes are their own adventure – and sometimes their own crisis. You’ll become intimately familiar with the emergency kit essentials: double-sided tape, eyelash glue, spare tights, and enough bobby pins to build a small sculpture.
Changing rooms are surprisingly small. You’ll navigate a maze of tutu bags, tangled tulle, and dancers doing high kicks in 30cm of space. It’s chaotic, so make sure you label everything. Your young dancer probably has other things on their mind – and remembering where they put their shoes is the last thing they care about!
Backstage truth: Always pack back-ups – tights, bobby pins, and even a spare leotard.
3. Your child will surprise you
Whether they light up the stage with a magical performance or quietly push through a challenging moment, your child will grow in ways you never saw coming. Dance eisteddfods aren’t just about placements (that’s first, second or third place – I personally didn’t know what the term meant for quite some time!) – they’re about building confidence, resilience, and a sense of pride in their own progress.
As a parent, you’ll probably feel a wave of nerves as they step into the spotlight. That’s normal. We all feel it. But then you’ll watch them stand tall, perform with heart, and walk off stage a little more self-assured than before.
Real-talk moment: They’re not just learning to dance – they’re learning to be brave. And you’re right there with them, cheering through every step.
4. The dance community is incredibly supportive
Backstage, you’ll find parents offering safety pins, soothing nerves, and cheering for dancers who aren’t their own. Studios support each other, and dancers form friendships that often last long after the competition has ended. As for the “competitive dance mom” stereotype? It’s rarely seen. Most parents are simply in the same boat, supporting their child’s passion for dance and soaking up every moment of the experience.
Insider insight: Don’t hesitate to connect with other parents. Whether it’s a quick chat between routines or joining an online group, you’ll find a community that’s kind, encouraging, and just as invested in the journey.
5. You’ll want to do it all again
Between the early mornings, the costume chaos, and the whirlwind of emotions… you’ll somehow find yourself looking forward to next year. Well, sort of. As the new season rolls in, there’s often a familiar sigh at the thought of giving up more weekends – but watching your child grow stronger, more confident, and more passionate makes every moment worth it.
Lesson learned: Take a moment to celebrate how far your child has come. Whether it’s a quiet dinner, a photo album, or a simple high-five, these memories deserve to be cherished.
Closing thoughts
Dance eisteddfods are more than events, they’re stepping stones. Each performance, each challenge, each cheer from the crowd helps shape your child into the dancer and person they’re becoming. And you? You’re part of that journey, every step of the way.
And when you’re ready to jump back in again, don’t forget to check out Stage Lark’s event calendar. It’s designed to keep you sane, with calendar invites, maps, and all the details you need to navigate the next eisteddfod season with confidence.
